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Dr. Whitaker Receives Prestigious Paul Tessier Medal

December 7, 2009 — Linton Whitaker, MD, a craniofacial surgeon at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, was recently awarded the prestigious Paul Tessier Medal during the annual meeting of the International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons in Oxford, England.

One of only two recipients to ever receive the medal

The Paul Tessier Medal is the highest honor awarded in the field of craniofacial surgery, awarded for special contributions to the field. In the Medal’s 22-year history, this award had been bestowed only twice. Dr. Whitaker is the second recipient.

“This is truly meaningful because it is the highest level of recognition in the field I helped to build,” said Dr. Whitaker. “Children’s Hospital has been so special to me and the craniofacial field has been central to my whole life as a surgeon.”

The award was given in recognition of Dr. Whitaker’s commitment to craniofacial care throughout his entire career. He is renowned for contributions in surgical technique, research and education.

A pioneer in the field of pediatric craniofacial surgery

“Dr. Whitaker is a pioneer in field of craniofacial surgery and conceived that craniofacial surgery could be safely performed on infants and young children and that was instrumental in the evolution of field," said N. Scott Adzick, MD, surgeon-in-chief at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Dr. Whitaker has worked with more than 2,000 pediatric patients since 1972, and I commend him on this great achievement.”

Dr. Whitaker is also the author of six textbooks and 222 scientific papers in the field of craniofacial surgery. He has trained 39 craniofacial surgeons who are currently leading many of the premier programs in craniofacial surgery worldwide.

Key to successful craniofacial surgeries at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

“Working at Children’s Hospital, I have been fortunate to have a tremendous team of neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, ophthalmologists, nurses and others to partner with to ensure patient safety and superb outcomes,” Dr. Whitaker says.